U.S. national parks need your help.
America's protected lands have seen major cuts since the Trump administration took over the White House earlier this year.
Regardless of where your political allegiances lie, reduced hours and staffing are objectively bad for maintaining national parks and ensuring the best visitor experience.
But these special places don't simply need your money this summer; by visiting and exploring, travelers are helping to bring vital awareness to a worthy cause.
It's a cause that travel industry leaders like Intrepid Travel have been working to highlight over the first half of 2025. The B-Corp-certified responsible tour operator donated $50,000 through The Intrepid Foundation to the NPCA, which advocates for the National Park System.
But now it's our turn.
Monday, August 4, is a free entrance day, marking the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act passed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The key law "provides funding to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands," the NPS states. "The legislation established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund and guaranteed permanent funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund."
The NPS and park goers are feeling the budget cuts this summer, especially at some of the country's most-visited destinations.?
Free entrance on August 4 will hopefully offer travelers the chance to experience America's spectacular parks regardless of budget constraints. Take and post plenty of photos and videos to social media and be sure to tell your friends and family about these places.
The NPS has arguably never been so vulnerable in its 108-year history.
For those unable to get out and explore on August 4, National Public Lands Day, on September 27 and Veterans Day on November 11 offer the year's final two chances to experience America's national parks for free in 2025.
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